Seventh Reflection

When Muslims find themselves weak, it is permissible for them to make peace with anyone who wishes to be at peace, to fight only those who fight them, and to act in accordance with the verse that commands restraint and patience. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (1), may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Whoever among the believers is in a land where he is powerless, or at a time when he is powerless, should abide by the verse that enjoins patience and pardoning those who offend Allah and His Messenger—whether they are People of the Book or idolaters.

As for those who possess strength, they must implement the verse that commands fighting the leaders of disbelief who slander the religion, and the verse that commands fighting the People of the Book until they pay the jizyah with their own hands while humbled.”

He also stated—more explicitly than this (2): “So whenever the hypocrite …”